JEDDAH/DUBAI — The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) has announced the line-up for its Cinema for Children program which represents the very best in film for children and families from around the world. Fluffy werewolves, musical bears, forest elves, a long-lost princess, epic adventures and much more are guaranteed to delight young audiences across a selection of features this December. “The Festival's Cinema for Children segment is designed to bring a raft of films that entertain our younger audiences, enabling them to broaden their perspective and encourage them to reflect on the world around them. “This year our selection promises to whisk our young audiences and the young at heart on a whirlwind journey of this year's most compelling, innovative and truly delightful international children's cinema,” said Myrna Maakaron, DIFF's Cinema for Children programmer. Making its world premiere at the DIFF is “Journey to the Christmas Star,” a refreshing remake of a beloved Norwegian classic. In “Fidgety Bram,” audiences will meet a seven-year-old boy who can't sit still — which becomes a problem when he starts school. “Ernest and Celestine,” Belgian author Gabrielle Vincent's beloved children's book, tells the story of Ernest, a reclusive bear musician who forges an unlikely friendship with a young orphaned mouse called Celestine. “Alfie, the Little Werewolf,” is a quirky and smart film from the Netherlands about a boy who turns into a werewolf when the full moon rises on the night of his seventh birthday. Rounding up this unique enchanting program is India's “Gattu,” an optimistic and uplifting tale of an orphaned illiterate street boy and his one great passion — flying kites — which keeps his spirit alive even in the bleakest of times. “Every year we make every effort to bring our younger audiences intelligent, entertaining and compelling films that leave a lasting impression with audiences of all ages. The line-up this year is a wonderful selection of films that have wowed critics around the world and are less likely to be found at the local multiplex cinemas — a true treasure trove of cinematic gems,” said DIFF Artistic Director Masoud Amralla Al Ali. — SG
